Were the Pupils Queries Followed Up and Answered?
How to answer pupil questions properly
Were the pupils queries followed up and answered? - On the ADI Part 3 marking sheet and In the world of driver training, one of the simplest yet most overlooked questions an instructor must ask themselves is:
“Did I really answer my pupil’s question?”
It sounds basic, doesn’t it? Yet, it’s one of those deceptively small details that separates a good instructor from a great one.
ADI Part 3 What it means to answer questions
What This Means
When a DVSA examiner assesses you on the Part 3 test, one of the things they quietly observe is whether the pupil’s queries and concerns are properly followed up and clearly answered.
In plain English, that means:
You listen carefully when your pupil asks something.
You make sure they’ve understood the answer.
You revisit it later, if needed, to check the learning has sunk in.
It’s not enough to fire off a quick response and move on — your job is to teach, not just to tell.
Why answering properly Matters
Why It Matters
Learning to drive can be overwhelming. Pupils are juggling mirrors, pedals, signals, and nerves — all while trying to remember everything you’ve said!
When a pupil asks a question, it’s a window into their thinking. They’re showing you what they don’t understand, and if you gloss over that, you risk them building bad habits or losing confidence.
From the DVSA’s point of view, following up a query shows:
You’re listening.
You value the pupil’s input.
You’re adapting your instruction to their needs — which is exactly what client-centred learning is about.
A Simple Example
Let’s say you’re teaching Sarah how to approach junctions.
She asks:
“Why do I have to stop if the road looks clear?”
You might reply:
“Because there’s a ‘Stop’ sign — the law requires you to come to a full stop before proceeding.”
That’s a solid answer. But to follow up properly, you’d go a step further.
Later in the lesson, when approaching another ‘Stop’ junction, you might say:
“Remember what we said earlier about the ‘Stop’ sign, Sarah? What do you need to do here?”
Sarah replies:
“Come to a full stop, even if it’s clear.”
Perfect. You’ve not only answered her question — you’ve confirmed understanding, reinforced learning, and built her confidence.
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Many instructors half-answer questions.
For example, if a pupil asks:
“Why can’t I stay in second gear here?”
And the instructor says:
“Because it’s too high a gear for this corner,”
That’s fine, but not complete. The pupil might still not understand why it matters.
A better approach would be:
“Because if you stay in second, you won’t have enough control through the bend — in first gear, you’ll have better steering control and the car won’t surge forward.”
Then, after the bend, check:
“Did you feel the difference there? What did first gear help you do?”
That’s how real learning sticks.
How to Do It Well
How to Do It Well
Here’s a simple 3-step habit to build into your teaching:
Listen – Don’t rush the answer. Let them explain what they’re unsure about.
Answer clearly – Use plain, practical language, not jargon.
Follow up – Revisit it later in the lesson to check it’s understood.
If they still seem unsure, try a different angle — maybe show it in practice or use a visual reference.
In a Nutshell
In a Nutshell
Following up and answering pupils’ queries isn’t just polite — it’s professional. It shows patience, attention to detail, and a genuine interest in helping your pupils understand, not just pass.
In the long run, those are the qualities that make an instructor stand out — the kind of instructor pupils remember years later, when they tell their friends, “I had a brilliant instructor — they always made sure I understood what I was doing.”